Real Madrid suffered a surprise loss as they were beaten 2-0 by Almeria, while Deportivo La Coruna defeated Real Betis 1-0 on Saturday night.Real Madrid had won their last eight league games but Almeria were also in good form and quickly took the lead through Juanito after 18 minutes.

Alvaro Negredo added a second from the penalty spot two minutes after half-time and Real could not respond.

Real remain nine points clear at the top but Barcelona will aim to make the most of their game in hand against Osasuna on Sunday.

Almeria, meanwhile, have now won four in a row and have emerged as surprise contenders for a European spot.

Deportivo climbed out of the relegation zone with a hard-fought victory at Betis.

Pablo Amo scored the decisive goal nine minutes before half-time and Deportivo had a chance to make the points safe when they were awarded a penalty late on.

Ricardo Pereira saved from Juan Rodriguez but it mattered little as Depor clung on to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

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